Tangy BBQ Cranberry Sausage Bites
These Tangy BBQ Cranberry Sausage Bites are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them an irresistible appetizer for any gathering. This easy-to-make dish features succulent cocktail franks simmered in a luscious mix of barbecue and jellied cranberry sauces, creating a rich, glossy glaze that brings out the best in every bite. Ideal for parties, picnics, or game day, these flavorful sausage links can be served with toothpicks for easy eating, ensuring your guests will come back for seconds!
8
Servings
188
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
barbecue sauce
1 (cup)
cranberry sauce
16 (ounces, jellied)
cocktail franks
2 ((1 lb packages))
Instructions
1
In a 3.5 to 4-quart slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce and jellied cranberry sauce. Mix well until the two sauces are fully blended.
2
Add the cocktail franks to the sauce mixture and stir gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low-heat setting for 4 to 6 hours, or on the high-heat setting for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to promote even heating.
4
Once cooked, serve the sausage bites immediately with toothpicks, or keep warm in the slow cooker on low heat for up to 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition Information
8.8g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy BBQ Cranberry Sausage Bites?
They are a sweet and savory appetizer made of cocktail franks simmered in a rich glaze of barbecue and jellied cranberry sauces.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 16 ounces of jellied cranberry sauce, and two 1-pound packages of cocktail franks.
What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for jellied cranberry sauce to create a smooth, glossy glaze.
Can I use whole berry cranberry sauce instead?
Yes, you can use whole berry sauce if you prefer a chunkier texture in your glaze.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 3.5 to 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
How long do the sausage bites cook on the low setting?
They should cook for 4 to 6 hours on low heat.
How long do they cook on the high setting?
On the high heat setting, they will be ready in 2 to 2.5 hours.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 188 calories.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is a very easy 'dump and go' slow cooker recipe with only 3 ingredients.
What are cocktail franks?
Cocktail franks are miniature sausages, often sold under names like 'Lil' Smokies'.
How should I serve these sausage bites?
Serve them warm with toothpicks to make them easy for guests to grab and eat.
Can I keep the sausage bites warm during a party?
Yes, once cooked, you can keep them in the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for up to 2 hours.
Should I mix the sauces before adding the meat?
Yes, combine the barbecue sauce and jellied cranberry sauce first and mix well until blended.
Do I need to stir the sausages while they cook?
Stirring occasionally is recommended if possible to promote even heating and coating.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is approximately 8.8 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is approximately 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
While written for a slow cooker, you could simmer these in a pot over low heat until heated through.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and savory flavor profile is generally very popular with children.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
You can use any variety you like, such as honey, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce, depending on your preference.
Can I use regular sausages?
Yes, you can use full-sized sausages or kielbasa cut into bite-sized rounds as a substitute.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker liner the night before and start cooking the next day.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do I reheat the sausage bites?
They can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
No, this recipe does not contain a significant amount of dietary fiber.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger 6-quart slow cooker.
What are some good tags for this recipe?
Common tags include BBQ, appetizer, slow cooker, party food, and cocktail franks.
Can I add other spices?
You can customize the sauce by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for heat.
Is there prep work required for the sausages?
No, the cocktail franks come pre-cooked; you are essentially heating them and glazing them in the slow cooker.